Poll Finds National Security Now a Top Concern

Fear of terrorism surges after attacks in Paris and California, WSJ/NBC poll finds, and likely will impact 2016 election

A new WSJ/NBC News poll highlights new shifts in the Republican field, and Ted Cruz is facing scrutiny amid a surge in support. WSJ's Shelby Holliday has the latest in the 2016 race for the White House. Photo: Getty

Heightened fear of terrorism is rippling through the electorate, thrusting national-security issues to the center of the 2016 presidential campaign, according to a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll released on the eve of Republicans’ latest presidential debate.

Some 40% of those polled say national security and terrorism should be the government’s top priority, and more than 60% put it in the top two, up from just 39% eight months ago.